CDC: 30% of Black, Hispanic mothers report maternity care mistreatment

Twenty percent of women surveyed reported experiences of mistreatment during pregnancy and delivery care, with approximately 30% of Black, Hispanic and multiracial women reporting mistreatment, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. The most common types of mistreatment reported were receiving no response to requests for help; being shouted at or scolded; not having their physical privacy protected; and being threatened with withholding treatment or made to accept unwanted treatment. Approximately 40% of Black, Hispanic and multiracial mothers said they experienced discrimination, and 45% of women reported holding back from asking questions or discussing concerns with their provider. The agency analyzed data from 2,402 respondents to examine components of respectful care. (CDC news release, 8/22/23)